Spring can often mean most of us are feeling the urge to do some Spring Cleaning. Whether or not you dread this or get excited to purge your belonging like I do, this can be a great time to teach your child the importance of Giving. Everyone has something to give back. It doesn’t have to something physical; it can be a simple act of service.
As you clean out those closets and drawers here are a few suggestions of things you can do with the items you no longer need or use:
- Donate to Goodwill, Salvation Army, Deseret Industries or a local organization that you are familiar with. Click here to find a Goodwill near you.
- Sell your items. Have a garage sale, eBay, ksl.com, and consignment stores.
- Ask family and friend if they want any of the good you are donating. You never know if your neighbor has been dying to have the bike you haven’t touched in 2 years!
The important thing to remember is to involve your kids in the entire process. Have them pick out items of their own that they want to donate or sell. Be sure to explain to them the difference they are making in someone other kids life that will know have that toy truck they are donating. This is a great way to teach them how much they really have to give. Don’t forget to bring them with you when you actually deliver the goods!
If you can’t find anything physical you want to give there are plenty of ways to show an act of kindness:
- Help a neighbor with their yard work.
- Visit a friend or family member you haven’t seen in a while and spend time with them.
- Take a treat to the fire station and thank them.
- Volunteer with a local organization of your choice.
There are so many things you can do to give back and often when you do you are the one who feels the best! One of my favorite quotes is from Zig Ziglar “If you go looking for a friend, you’re going to find they’re scarce. If you go out to be a friend, you’ll find them everywhere.” It’s a great reminder that the more we give the more we may actually have!
You can view how Bravo gives back here.